UMC Predicts Decline
In Its Chip Shipments

Taiwan Company's Profit
Doubles, but Inventories
Will Damp New Orders

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- United Microelectronics Corp. reported its third-quarter net profit more than doubled, but it predicted a sharp falloff in its business during the current quarter.

UMC, one of the world's largest producers of custom-made chips, said its net profit in the three months ended Sept. 30 rose to 10.91 billion New Taiwan dollars (US$323.8 million), or 65 cents per share, from NT$4.2 billion, or 25 cents a share, a year...